As the weather starts to get warmer, it becomes a great time for outdoor flea markets and swap meets. Especially now that the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed to more Americans, consumers are becoming more comfortable with going out and shopping in-person. With the rise in interest in antiques and collectibles, these warm summer months present huge possibilities for vendors to get their treasures in front of thousands of shoppers.
One of the surprise success stories of 2020 has been a renewed interest in antique furniture and home decor. Local antique dealers have reported record online sales to customers all across the globe. One reason cited is a growing desire among buyers for more sustainable furnishing choices, and these items represent a way to preserve the past while protecting the future. Since shopping at a mass furniture retailer can be quite expensive, flea market shopping not only presents bargains on tons of different housewares, but it also makes for a great pastime.
If you are an antique dealer who is ready to seize this opportunity, here are five antique markets to secure a selling spot at for the spring and summer months:
Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market Extravaganza – May 14-16, 2021
Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market is routinely named one of the best antique shows in Ohio and one of the Top 20 Flea Markets in the U.S., and continues to grow each year. For over 25 years, Springfield, Ohio has been the home of this monthly market. Held one weekend a month (except January, February, and July) at the Clark County Fairgrounds, Springfield features hundreds of vendors selling farmhouse antiques, Amish pieces, primitives, furniture, dishes, glass, samplers, quilts, and other collectibles.
For more information, visit www.springfieldantiqueshow.com.
Vintage Vibe Markets – June 5-6, 2021
Vintage Vibe Markets is a combination of home décor, vintage based jewelry, clothing, and upcycled products made from repurposed goods, antiques, and anything that speaks of “art” with a vintage flair. These events are an experience, where guests can listen to a little music, grab a sandwich, and sip a glass of wine while browsing through the vendors that share the same unique passion for timelessness. If you sell anything vintage, handcrafted, or upcycled that you would like to showcase in front of shoppers, fill out the vendor application on their website.
For more information, visit www.vintagevibemarkets.com.
Midland Antique Festival – June 5-6, 2021
The Midland Antique Festival is held three times a year and has been a Michigan Tradition for 50 years. Nearly a thousand antique dealers set up at the Midland County Fairgrounds carrying vintage goods, antiques, collectibles, and so much more. Along with the vast array of antique dealers is Michigan’s largest swap meet. Folks from all over bring their garage sale items to the swap meet/flea market area. Dealer applications are right on their website.
For more information, visit www.miantiquefestival.com.
Texas Antique Weekend – October 14-31, 2021
Even though it does not actually take place on a weekend and instead takes place a whole week long, Texas Antique Weekend is a collection of hundreds of show sites. More than 100,000 consumers shop at participating venues along rural areas between Houston and Austin. Antique Weekends features more than 60 antique, collector, and vintage shows and over 2,000 dealers. This giant marketplace has items ranging from the very cheap to high-dollar. Expect antique (American and European), toys, industrial pieces, glass, pottery, jewelry, furniture, and so much more.
For more information, visit www.antiqueweekend.com.
The Connecticut Antiques Trail
On the Connecticut Antiques Trail, you can uncover 1700’s Americana, mid-century modern furniture and vintage collectibles from every generation. With auction houses and small town antique shops, flea markets and antique shows — even historic inns filled with treasures from another age — the CT Antiques Trail winds through historic and scenic Connecticut, revealing antiques of varying styles, periods and price ranges to satisfy enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For more information, visit www.ctvisit.com/antiquestrail.